THE Executive branch has officially restored funding for flood-control infrastructure under the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 submitted to the House of Representatives, marking a major policy shift following zero-funding cuts made in the prior budget cycle due to widespread corruption allegations.
According to Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon, ₱107.4 billion is slated for flood-mitigation efforts, alongside a separate ₱3.41 billion allocated to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the maintenance and operation of pumping stations and drainage facilities.
The move aims to address ongoing flood risks during the rainy season, finish stalled infrastructure, and help revive lackluster economic growth, which slowed to 2.3 percent in the second quarter.
“We cannot simply abandon flood-control projects that have already been started,” De Leon emphasized during a press conference following the turnover of the National Expenditure Program (NEP). “They will not be effective if left unfinished.”
Of the total ₱107.4-billion flood budget, ₱19.6 billion will go toward foreign-assisted capital outlay projects, while the rest covers maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure improvements.
To prevent previous corruption pitfalls—such as “ghost” projects and fund misuse—the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) partnered with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to introduce satellite verification, digital tracking via Project DIME, and public monitoring through the DBM COMPASS platform.
Sectoral Allocations and Unprogrammed Appropriations
Under the 2027 NEP, Education retains the largest slice of the budget pie at ₱1.314 trillion (18%), followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at ₱644 billion, where flood control accounts for roughly 16.17% of its portfolio. Other key allocations include:
- Health: ₱353.8 billion
- Interior and Local Government: ₱332.5 billion
- Defense: ₱328.8 billion
- Transportation: ₱302.2 billion
- Agriculture: ₱261.7 billion
- Social Welfare: ₱241.6 billion
The proposed budget also slashes Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) to a historic low of ₱111.98 billion—just 1.6% of the Total Expenditure Program—marking its lowest ratio since 1991.
DBM framed the reduction as a step toward greater transparency, addressing long-standing criticisms from budget watchdogs who view unprogrammed funds as untraceable “shadow” pork allocations.
Confidential Funds and House Scrutiny
Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF) were pegged at ₱10.773 billion, representing an 8.8% reduction from the 2026 budget level.
The allocation splits into ₱6.405 billion for law enforcement and intelligence agencies and ₱4.368 billion for authorized civilian offices, with DBM promising strict adherence to auditing rules following public outrage over previous fund disbursements.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III vowed that Congress will rigorously examine every line item to ensure taxpayers get full value for public spending under the theme “People-Centered Growth for an Inclusive and Resilient Future.”
Lawmakers intend to maintain open bicameral hearings and leverage dedicated review subcommittees to prevent waste and ensure funds directly benefit vulnerable sectors.
